The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1887-09-21
MY BEST FRIEND.

owner OF handsome FtSiutfcf OH ciaS
of the stylish fhoroughfares Of a large
city.
No governor, no guardian, no maiden
aunt. no bachelor uncle, to object 10 my
disposing Of myselfa fand means according
10 my fancy.
She who gave me being had departed
this world of change and succession ere
] could remember. My remaining par
ent. engrossed in merchandise and bank
stock. had no time to spare in looking
after his heir; consequently ] was placed
in the hands Of nurse and as soon as
my age would permit, was bundled otto
an institution 10 be 'crnmmed.'
But before reaching my majority ] re-
oeived Telegram 70 hasten home as my
father had received shock which his
medical attendants pronounced fatal. ]
reached home just in time to see him
breath his hast Having received no
special marks Of affection from him dur
ing the, to me, exciting intervals of my
vacations, my days Of mourning were
soon over. ] returned 10 college and re-
mained there until vas twenty-one, at
which time ] came in possession Of my
fortune to use at my own disposal
had no idea of following the wake Of
father ] had horror Of business.
cherished a recollection ! had for the
yearning in youthful days for an exhibi-
tion from my father Of the affection had
seen lavished on Others Of my own age.
NV memory was still alive with the re-
memberance of how I had run TO his
knee, longing TO be clasped in bis arms
and had my heart stung with cold re-
pulse.
why not enjoy life while ] CAM" ]
said a. sat alone in my room, for when
youth has PISSED. and manhood is on
the wane, ii will be time enough TO clog
independence with the encumbranees Of
life.
lifted the bank book from the table
before me, and looking over it saw there
was no mistake, there was eighty thous-
and dollars placed to my credit.
Joined a club In closing my initia-
ton speech. rendered champaign sup
per to my companions They were too
polite, certainly, not to do me the honor
Of accepting. AZ supper ! was eheered
and toasted, and was pronounced mer-
ry, good fellow.
Assuredly must have q fancy team
and give all my friends turn around
the most popular drives. Besides, lmust
visit the course, and stake on favorites."
And engage in an occasional game Of
poker in the club. If ! l1st ] must not
vince, on be beard 10 utter any regrets.
Al this did, and kept itup for year.
Then my eyes were opened. bat not in
the same manner quite as the deacons
kittens-by knocking their brains out.
II happened this wise
met a young lady with whom l fell
deeply in love; no young lady, ] was
sure, as surveyed myself in the glass on
the evening ! determined 10 propose,
could resist my suit A handsome form
areputation obtained through my club,
Of being a great deal wealthier than |
was, Jas if they didn't know my fortune
to dime and standing in society that
any one may envy, indeed, no sensible
woman would refuse such an alliance
was my comment.
But my vanity received a mighty shock
! was refused, and so decided was the
refusal, that | felt there WAS no hope
hastily left the scene of my disappoint-
ment, went home. shut myself in, walk
ed the floor until morning-for | was
desperately IN love, and even then was
at home 10 no one. J remained all day,
Notwithstanding trot was to take place
that afternoon on which had staked 4
large amount. I cared nothing aboutthe
result and entertained some serious
thoughts of making nay will. While med
itating on the subject, the thought enter
ed my mind that possibly I might have
a rivll, ! felt curiosity to see how he
looked, and finally concluded not to make
my will vet.
The second forenoon | sauntered forth
displayed negligent aspect and hag-
gard countenance which ccntrasted sad
ly with my former scrupulous neatness
and happy appearance. | saw a number
of my club associates, but they seemed to |
avoid me, as they would cross the strees
before we met, or, If on the opposite side,
would be deeply interested in viewing
an object in another direction | return
ed from my walk and after dinner. order |
ed my team for drive The programme
of the morning was reenacted.
passed several OF my acquaintanees,
and instead Of receiving the usual polite |
bow and pleasant smile. get cold stare
or no notice whatever.
"Were they all witnesses of my re-
jection I? " was the internal query | I
knew of nothing else 10 effect 50 obvious I
a change in their demeanor
The mystery, however, was soon sol /
WIZ a NsiS siitiitA dfpttt al NuSh III NV I
room, my mind in a vague. dreamy state,
when the housekeeper entered enquiring 4
whether she should light the gas. That
moment there was ringing of tle 4
bell.
Yes" / replied, land IL that is any
one TO see me conduct him in"
The quietneSs and my solitary confine-
meut was becoming unbearlble to me.
Instead Of him conducted 10 my pres
ence, before me stood woman, closely
veiled. was taken by surprise, my
feminine visitor threw the veil back, and
| beheld the identical lady who had so
recently administered such scorching
blow 10 my vanity.
lou viii excuse this intrusion. Mr.
Morton. when tell you that nothing but
a desire for your welfare has caused me
to visit YOU. ] have heard Of your mis-
fortune, and attributed a good deal OF il
10 my refusal of your hand knew the
life you were leading would sooner or
later effect your ruin, but | had no idea
II would come SO soon / have few
thousand dollars at my command, ami if
they can be Of any service 10 you ther
are al your service, and l will gladly ad-
vance them to you in your present cir
cumstanees, as ] believe you will repay